Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera frolics in the snow

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Azera - Click above for high-res image gallery​

In its current form, the Hyundai Azera (known as the Grandeur outside the U.S.) has been around since 2005, and despite the new Sonata's push upmarket, Hyundai apparently still sees the need for another model to slot in between its new Camcord competitor and the Genesis Sedan.

Although a refreshed Grandeur was revealed for other markets late last year, judging by these latest spy shots, Hyundai is hard at work on a more thorough makeover, complete with an even more coupe-like roofline, Sonata-inspired fascia and chrome strip extending its way atop the front fender.

The four-wheel independent suspension is sure to remain, and Hyundai is likely to continue offering a choice of V6s - a 263-hp 3.8-liter or a 234-hp 3.3-liter - each mated to a six-speed automatic. We'd expect a small bump in output when the all-new Azera debuts late next year as a 2012 model.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur



[Images: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera frolics in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[TJPark01]

Now this with the 2.4 Theta blower would make sense. I'm sure it will be approaching Genesis in terms of dimension and keeping a 4 in there will keep the cost and weight down while still providing acceptable levels of power and economy. It will be the Toyota Avalon of the Hoon.

 

[Mark_888]

According to the link posted, they retracted their headline:

"UPDATE: We mistakenly called this the 2012 Hyundai Azera. It's in fact the 2012 Kia Optima."

"According to a very well placed source deep within the South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the sedan above is not the 2012 Hyundai Azera as reported yesterday. Not only is the car not an Azera, it's not even a Hyundai. You are in fact looking at the 2011 Kia Optima. Though there is a 25% chance that this might be the 2012 Kia Optima. Sadly, and regardless, we know next to nothing about this new Optima, other than the fact that the rest of the world will still probably know it as the Magentis."

 

[YEH]

^ Autoblog is wrong - that most definitely is NOT the new Optima and is a Hyundai model (most likely the Azera since highly doubtful that Hyundai is working on another large FWD sedan).

 

[jwaters943]

Agreed. That IS the Azera. It is NOT the Optima.

I question Autoblog sometimes. They routinely give out incorrect information. Makes you wonder who's working for them.

 

[jailer]

I think they updated something for 2011, but just minor interior maybe.